Day 19 - Time to Run?

Daily Total: 10; Weekly Total: 30; Per Mile Pace: 9:19; Days Until Marathon: 64

When is the best time to schedule a run? Some people I know prefer to run in the late afternoon or evening, to release tension from the day's work or because waking up at the crack of dawn is unfathomable. However, I have always preferred to run in the early morning which happens to be most consistent with recommendations by professionals. Races usually begin at dawn or between 6-7 a.m., thus training to run at this time is really in one's best interest. Besides preparing myself for the early race start time, I prefer the morning to afternoon for a number of reasons. I'm still only half awake by the time I've hit the concrete; the temperature, prior aches and pains, yesterday's disappointments, etc... are all only afterthoughts as my mind gradually comes into a full state of awareness. There are also fewer people, cars, and busy intersections at the early morning hour.

I particularly dislike running in the afternoon and advise others against running at this time to avoid indigestion (from the foods consumed earlier in the day), heatstroke (in particularly warm climates), or even  being attacked (I am stunned by the number of women I see running late at night with headphones).

Of course, energy levels vary for everyone at different times of the day. Yet if you can condition your energy to be highest in the morning, it seems well worth it.